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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 76

Constantinople

Constantinople.

That famous Eastern city presents a glorious and exciting scene of splendid Turkish palaces, mosques, and minarets, built on undulating hills, with their domes and gilded minaret points reflecting the brilliant sunshine of that bright sky. When viewed from the sea it forms, perhaps, the most imposing sight presented by any city in the world. The Strait of the Bosphorus, and a curved inlet from it called the Golden Horn, are usually crowded with shipping of all nations, which enlivens the page 59 beauty of the charming scene; but on shore the enchantment vanishes, for the streets and bazaars are badly kept, and sanitary regulations are much needed in Stamboul. From Constantinople to the Black Sea the Bosphorus forms a combination of lake-like bends and narrow passages, where the clear blue water flows between verdant hills and wooded slopes, bedecked with palaces, villas, and villages of Oriental style, making a sail in a caique, or steamer, most delightful and enjoyable; but I was very ill and without friends, until I had the good fortune to meet an American missionary, who kindly invited me to stay at his station in the village of Bibeck, where I met with the most disinterested kindness and hospitality which soon restored me to health and strength for further travelling.